See the Cast of ‘Scrooged’ Then and Now

Released in 1988, ‘Scrooged’ was a darkly comedic take on Charles Dickens’ classic ‘A Christmas Carol,’ starring Bill Murray in the Ebenezer Scrooge role as Frank Cross, a cynical TV executive alienated from his family and unable to find real happiness. Struggling to put together a live production of ‘A Christmas Carol’ on Christmas Eve, Frank finds that his real life begins to resemble the story he’s producing as three ghosts visit him throughout the evening to try and get him to change his ways before it’s too late.

The film took Murray from battling ghosts in ‘Ghostbusters’ to learning lessons from them, and over time it’s become a holiday comedy classic. 25 years later, we take a look back at the cast of the film and see where they are now.

Bill Murray, Frank Cross

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Then: ‘SNL’ veteran and ‘Ghostbusters’ star Bill Murray played Francis Xavier “Frank” Cross, a cynical TV executive who is putting together a live production of ‘A Christmas Carol’ on Christmas Eve. Alienated from his family, he overworks his employees and is haunted by three ghosts who try to make him change his ways before he becomes an old miser.

Now: Over the years Murray has appeared in films like ‘What About Bob,’ ‘Groundhog Day,’ and ‘Charlie’s Angels,’ but in recent years he’s become more selective about his roles, skewing away from the wacky comedies for which he was once known. He’s appeared in several Wes Anderson films, including ‘Moonrise Kingdom’ and the upcoming ‘The Grand Budapest Hotel.’ He can be seen next in George Clooney’s ensemble drama ‘The Monuments Men’ with Matt Damon and John Goodman, and appears in two upcoming films with Melissa McCarthy: ‘St. Vincent de Van Nuys’ and the animated flick ‘B.O.O.: Bureau of Otherworldly Operations.’

Karen Allen, Claire Phillips

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Then: Frank’s ruthless pursuit of his career has cost him a relationship with the kindhearted and generous Claire, played by Karen Allen. Allen was famous for playing Marion Ravenwood in ‘Raiders of the Lost Ark.’

Now: Since then, Allen has appeared in the films ‘Malcolm X,’ ‘The Sandlot,’ and ‘The Perfect Storm.’ She reprised the role of Marion Ravenwood for ‘Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull’ in 2008, and appeared in the film ‘I Am Number Four,’ though her scenes were deleted. Her most recent credit was the 2012 TV movie ‘The Tin Star.’

John Glover, Brice Cummings

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Then: John Glover played Brice Cummings, an assistant hired by Frank’s boss to help him out, but it’s rather obvious that this new hire is rabidly after Frank’s job. Two years later, Glover would appear in another holiday comedy: ‘Gremlins 2: The New Batch.’

Now: Glover went on to play Lionel Luthor on ‘Smallville’ from 2001 to 2008, and returned later for the show’s 10th and final season in 2011. He’s had recurring roles on ‘The Good Wife’ and as a voice on the animated series ‘Tron: Uprising,’ and appears in the upcoming films ‘You Bury Your Dead’ and ‘Réalité.’

Bobcat Goldthwait, Eliot Loudermilk

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Then: Comedian and ‘Police Academy’ star Bobcat Goldthwait played Eliot Loudermilk, a timid employee who criticizes one of Frank’s controversial TV commercials, resulting in his firing.

Now: Goldthwait went on to appear on the short-lived sitcom ‘Unhappily Ever After’ as the voice of Mr. Floppy the rabbit, and has guest-starred on various TV shows. He is currently invested in his career as an indie writer, director, and producer, and his film credits include the acclaimed dark comedy ‘World’s Greatest Dad,’ starring Robin Williams, ‘God Bless America,’ and the upcoming found footage horror film ‘Willow Creek,’ which is already generating positive buzz.

David Johansen, Ghost of Christmas Past

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Then: David Johansen, the lead singer of punk band The New York Dolls, played the Ghost of Christmas Past — a belligerent spirit who picks Frank up in a taxi cab. The role was originally intended for comedian Sam Kinison, but went to Johansen due to his friendship with Bill Murray.

Now: In the ’80s, Johansen found a successful post-New York Dolls music career under the pseudonym Buster Poindexter, and appeared as part of the house band on ‘SNL.’ He had roles on the TV shows ‘Oz’ and ‘The Adventures of Pete and Pete,’ and has appeared in the films ’200 Cigarettes’ and ‘Campfire Stories.’ In 2011, Johansen reunited with members of the New York Dolls for a new album, tour, and concert films.

Carol Kane, Ghost of Christmas Present

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Then: Carol Kane played the whimsical and feisty Ghost of Christmas Present, whose job it is to show Frank the effect he’s having on his family, and beat some sense into him — literally. Kane was known for roles in ‘Dog Day Afternoon,’ ‘Annie Hall,’ and the TV series ‘Taxi.’

Now: Kane played Madame Morrible in the Broadway production of ‘Wicked’ from 2005 to 2009, and recently appeared in the films ‘My Girlfriend’s Boyfriend,’ ‘Sleepwalk With Me,’ and ‘Thanks for Sharing.’ Her recent TV guest appearances include stints on ‘Girls’ and ‘Anger Management.’

Alfre Woodard, Grace Cooley

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Then: Alfre Woodard played Grace Cooley, Frank’s overworked assistant who is always forced to neglect her family as she tries to juggle the stress of work and caring for her mute son. Woodard had previously played Winnie Mandela in a TV movie about the life of Nelson Mandela.

Now: In the last several years, Woodard has appeared in films as diverse as ‘The Core,’ ‘Beauty Shop,’ Tyler Perry’s ‘The Family That Preys,’ and Lifetime’s ‘Steel Magnolias.’ Recently she starred in ’12 Years a Slave,’ and plays Hattie Lemaster on the network series ‘Copper.’

Wendie Malick, Wendie Cross

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Then: Wendie Malick played Wendie Cross, Frank’s sister-in-law. You might have seen her before ‘Scrooged’ in minor roles on shows like ‘Scarecrow and Mrs. King’ and ‘Another World.’

Now: Malick went on to star on the HBO series ‘Dream On’ and on the long-running sitcom ‘Just Shoot Me.’ She’s appeared in the films ‘Adventureland,’ ‘Confessions of a Shopaholic,’ and the recent indie comedy ‘Jewtopia,’ and currently stars on the TV Land sitcom ‘Hot in Cleveland.’

Brian Doyle-Murray, Mr. Cross

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Then: Bill Murray’s brother, Brian Doyle-Murray, played his father, Mr. Cross. It wasn’t the first time Doyle-Murray had appeared with his brother: he previously starred in ‘Caddyshack,’ and was on ‘SNL’ from 1979 to 1980, during Bill’s final year. Doyle-Murray also wrote for ‘SNL’ during his brother’s entire time there.

Now: Doyle-Murray has appeared with his brother in other films, including ‘Ghostbusters 2′ and ‘Groundhog Day,’ but he’s also done plenty on his own, including recurring roles on ‘Yes, Dear,’ ‘The Middle,’ and ‘Sullivan and Son,’ and the animated shows ‘Spongebob Squarepants’ and ‘Adventure Time.’ He recently appeared with his brother again in ‘Moonrise Kingdom.’

Joel Murray, Guest

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Then: Bill Murray’s brother Joel Murray played an unnamed guest at Frank’s brother’s house on Christmas when the Ghost of Christmas Present takes Frank for a peek at all the misery he’s caused.

Now: Joel Murray went on to star on the shows ‘Dharma and Greg,’ ‘Still Standing,’ and he had a memorable recurring role on AMC’s ‘Mad Men.’ He’s guest-starred on ‘Two and a Half Men,’ ‘Shameless,’ and ‘It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia,’ and provided a voice in Pixar’s ‘Monsters University.’ He remained friendly with ‘Scrooged’ co-star Bobcat Goldthwait, and starred in his recent indie film ‘God Bless America’ as the movie’s disgruntled anti-hero.

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